Thanksgiving

   I understand that this ordeal is an opportunity for growth and learning.  From the beginning I've known I would grow in faith and hope and patience.  The first two are easy the last, not so much.  I'm learning how to accept service and generosity from others.  What I didn't expect is that I'm being taught how to give and serve by you!
     Last night in the beautiful blessing that Ben gave to Kevin, one of the things he told him was that angels were all around us.  Angels here on earth and angels from heaven.  The angels here on earth are all of you!  You, our friends, family and even strangers who have heard story and come to our aid are those angels.  Our own earthly guardian angels!  Every prayer you offer is heard and answered and brings us daily blessings. People ask us how we can be so strong and upbeat most of the time.  It's not us, it's you and your prayers and service and help.  Those prayers sustain and strengthen us.
     As I've been thinking and pondering I've looked back and remembered when I had the opportunity to pray for and serve some of you.  I've wondered, did I pray enough, did I do enough?  Probably not.  Many times when learning of someone's trials I've spent more time thinking about what to do than doing anything.  Sometimes I've wanted to do something and fear of saying or doing the wrong thing has kept me from doing anything at all.
     As I have received continual prayers and service from you, you are teaching me how to serve.  Everything you do for us is huge to us.  Every prayer is powerful and meaningful.  Every card so thoughtful.  Every e-mail, every act of service and so many offers to do anything!.  It's all so meaningful.  I am learning how to be a better servant of the Lord through all of you.  Even in the act of receiving so much I am being taught in a very personal way what the pure love of Christ really is.  You didn't know you were teaching me as you were giving to me.  You all have been such good examples to me. 
     I know as you continue to pray for and serve us your love for us increases, just as our love for you deepens as we receive that service.  We feel a strong bond with all of you.  We are not alone.  We are in this together.  We will all learn and grow from this.  I feel and hope that this bond between us eternal.  Why shouldn't it be? It has to be!
     Even with eternity I could never really thank all of you enough.  But I must keep trying!  We love you and we pray for you each and every day as well.  Dale